Your View: Reaction to Newtown tragedy shouldn't create more victims

Much has been written lately about the tragic shooting in Connecticut. It is important that as we mourn the victims of this horrific tragedy that commentators as well as the media avoid drawing inappropriate and unfounded links between autism and violence.

Comment

By Goncalo M. Rego

southcoasttoday.com

By Goncalo M. Rego

Posted Jan. 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By Goncalo M. Rego

Posted Jan. 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Much has been written lately about the tragic shooting in Connecticut. It is important that as we mourn the victims of this horrific tragedy that commentators as well as the media avoid drawing inappropriate and unfounded links between autism and violence.

It is similarly important to understand that autism or Asperger's disorder is not a form of a mental illness. Autism is a neurological disorder involving impairments in social interaction. It is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by significant deficiencies in communication skills, social interaction and motor planning. It is referred to in DSM-IV as autistic disorder and further defined in IDEA regulations at 34 C.F.R. section 300.7 (b) (1) as a developmental disability.

Asperger's disorder is defined, as well, as a neurological disorder with sustained impairments in social interaction and characterized by autistic behaviors such as literal thinking and social eccentricity.

The fact is that there is no scientific or medical evidence suggesting that individuals diagnosed with Asperger's disorder have the propensity to commit violence. On Dec. 20, The Standard-Times published the point of view of Robert Feingold ("Your View: There are steps to take to prevent more massacres.") I understand Mr. Feingold does have the right to express this view on a particular issue. However, in doing so, one should not speculate or rely on unsubstantiated media reports.

First, to speculate the perpetrator of this crime carried the diagnosis of Asperger's disorder is rife. Second, to suggest that "Asperger's syndrome is sometimes associated with violent and suicidal behavior" is inappropriate and irresponsible.

There is no medical evidence suggesting that there is a link between autism and violence. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that these individuals are prone to violence by virtue of having these disabilities. I really hope that statements such as the one made by Mr. Feingold do not stigmatize these individuals, who are loving and amazing people. My concern is that these comments may subject these individuals, including teenagers and children, to gossip, ridicule and ostracism.

In addressing this particular issue just recently Kassiane S., an individual with Asperger's disorder wrote: "We are not your scapegoat, and the trope of the dangerous neurodivergent is not only irresponsible, it is sloppy. Do some real research instead of lazily reaching into the bag of tropes every time someone does something terrible. Statistically, we didn't do it, and spreading the idea that we did has very real consequences that can mean life and death for us."

Mr. Feingold also states that health care professionals have failed to protect society from these tragic events. He suggests that they should be required to report any individual who "they reasonably believe may be dangerous to themselves or others; that the police should be mandated to detain them; and determine whether they should be involuntarily committed.

He further suggests that health care providers should be subject to civil liability if they fail to report these individuals. He calls for civil sanctions to be imposed on medical providers who fail to recognize and act upon anticipated violent behavior. To identify such behavior is not an easy task. Some of these behaviors are often impulsive and often triggered by certain emotions.

It should be noted as well that civil commitment is procedurally different from criminal commitment. In civil commitment, certain procedural safeguards are not available, such as a right to a trial by jury and to confront the accuser. Now, with a threat of a lawsuit, many of these medical providers will rush to judgment.

The matter becomes further complicated if it is determined that an individual was prematurely and improperly referred to the authorities. If this occurs they might be subject to a lawsuit. Also, many individuals might not seek medical help because they fear that the physician might report him/her to the authorities. The general consensus, I believe, is that most of these individuals deserve treatment not punishment.

My last point is that if Mr. Feingold supports a new law imposing liability for failure to report such behavior, then should other professionals be held to the same standard? For instance, should attorneys, like Mr. Feingold, be required to report clients they believe to be a threat to themselves or others?